By Hadiza Abdulkadir
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. The order, announced at a press briefing at the White House, aims to standardise government communications and promote the use of English in official capacities.
“This is a step towards unity and efficiency,” President Trump stated. “English has always been the common language of our nation, and this order reinforces that tradition.”
The executive order directs federal agencies to conduct all official business in English and encourages state and local governments to adopt similar measures. It also outlines provisions for English-language education programs to support immigrants in learning the language.
Before this order, the U.S. had no official language at the federal level, and multiple languages were widely used, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Native American languages such as Navajo and Cherokee. Spanish, in particular, has been a dominant language in several states, especially in the Southwest and large urban centers.
Critics argue that the move may marginalise non-English speakers and undermine the country’s linguistic diversity. Advocacy groups have vowed to challenge the order, citing concerns over accessibility and inclusivity.
Supporters, however, praise the decision as a necessary step in strengthening national identity and simplifying government operations.
It remains to be seen how the order will be implemented and whether it will face legal challenges in the coming weeks.